space.template.Freshwater+Biomes

=    = =Introduction: =

=Flora: =

 Freshwater biomes have a diverse group of species due to it’s variety in temperatures and locations. From lakes and ponds to rivers and wetlands, wildlife has adapted to the conditions of their biome.
 * Fauna: **

Although there is some distinction in species between the freshwater biomes, the cladoceran is the most prevalent in all of the biomes. They feed on blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria, which is also common throughout freshwater. Trout, salmon, and bass are also common in rivers and lakes. The wildlife of the lakes and ponds include:  Streams and Rivers:
 * [[image:kerrapes/catfish.jpg width="432" height="241" align="right" caption="Catfish thrive in rivers because they require less oxygen."]]
 * Phytoplankton
 * Zooplankton


 * Trout
 * Heterotrophs
 * Algae
 * Catfish
 * Carp

The fish of the streams and rivers require less oxygen, allowing them to thrive in rivers and streams. Wetlands:


 * Pond lilies
 * Cattails
 * Sedges
 * Ducks

A number of insects also thrive in freshwater biomes. They include:


 * Black flies[[image:leech.jpg width="240" height="282" align="right" caption="Leeches are often found and freshwater biomes. "]]Ticks
 * Leeches
 * Chiggers
 * Dragonflies
 * Butterflies

Amphibians and reptiles include:


 * Turtles
 * Water Moccasins
 * Alligators
 * Freshwater Crocodile

Mammals are higher up on the  food chain. These include:
 * Manatees
 * Otters
 * Beavers


 * Seasonal Temperatures: **

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">During the summer months, average temperatures range from 4 to 22 degrees Celsius. As the depth of the water increases, the temperature decreases. Lakes have lower temperatures at lower depths as opposed to rivers due to the lack of movement in the water.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">The littoral zone, or the shallowest areas of water, is warmest since it can absorb the sun’s heat. The limnetic zone, just below the littoral zone, absorbs a fair amount of the sun’s rays as well. The profundal zone has significantly lower temperatures and is much denser than the first two zones.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">The temperatures in freshwater biomes and lakes vary by season and depth, but have an overall uniform temperature. In between each zone is the thermocline zone. It is an area where the temperature of the water changes rapidly. Wind causes the zones to mix and create an average temperature of the water.




 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 190%;">Seasonal Precipitation: **


 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 190%;">Human Impacts/Interactions: **